Psalm 34 (33):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let those who harbor anger cast out the passion that possesses them through sincere contemplation and embrace gentleness and humility. Carefree and unrestrained, drawn to physical beauty, and having disciplined their thoughts while anchoring the law of Christ deep within their souls—which declares, ‘That anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart’ (Matthew 5:28)—they should flee the temptation of excess and cultivate purity.

Let those who are unrepentant in their speech, speaking indiscriminately about every matter, follow the example of the blessed prophet and beseech, ‘Put a guard, O Lord, upon my mouth, and fence the doors of my lips’ (Ps. 140:3); they must never speak thoughtlessly or impulsively. Instead, let them heed the counsel of Paul, who instructs, ‘Let all shouting, and wrath, and evil speaking, and profanity, and blasphemy, with all malice be put away from you’ (Eph. 4:31), and likewise, if there is any word that incites good, ‘that it may bring grace to them that hear’ (Eph. 4:29).

Let them also abstain from swearing, recalling Christ's directive: ‘It was said to the ancients, Thou shalt not break an oath... I say unto you, Swear not at all’ (Matt. 5:33, 34). No one should assert, ‘I swear in truth’; neither should I, in truth or in injustice, feel compelled to swear. Therefore, let us keep our speech free from oaths, safeguarding both our tongues and our minds against the emergence of evil thoughts that may be articulated.

We should also firmly close our ears to avoid indulging in idle gossip, as the blessed Moses instructed: ‘Do not give heed to idle hearing’ (Exodus 23:1), and echoing the blessed David, who stated: ‘I will cast out him who secretly slanders his neighbour’ (Psalm 100:5). Consider, dear ones, how vigilant we must be, how dedicated to virtue, and how even the slightest negligence can lead to our ruin. This is why the blessed David lamented elsewhere, addressing the one who engages in such behavior: ‘Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother, against thy mother's son thou slanderest’ (Psalms 49:20). If we protect all our faculties in this manner, we will be able to diligently pursue good deeds, using our tongues to offer praise and hymns to the Almighty, our ears to listen and learn the Word of God, our minds to contemplate heavenly matters, and our hands not for theft and greed, but for charitable giving and good works. Likewise, let our feet not wander to theatres, arenas, and corrupt exhibitions, but rather to the church, houses of prayer, and the resting places of the holy martyrs. Thus, receiving their blessing, we may evade the snares of the devil.

If we are earnest and diligent in seeking our salvation, we will find benefit in fasting, steering clear of the devil’s traps, and drawing down great favor from above, which may we all attain through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

It is insufficient simply to refrain from wrongdoing; we are also called to strive to perform good deeds. Hence, the exhortation, ‘abstain from evil and do good.’ Indeed, neglecting to practice virtue subjects one to punishment just as much as actively committing vice. Those who fail to feed the hungry, offer drink to the thirsty, or clothe the needy may not have stolen or succumbed to greed; yet, because they have neglected to act kindly, they are liable to eternal punishment and endless suffering. From this, we learn that mere abstinence from evil does not secure our salvation unless we simultaneously engage in good works and uphold virtue.

These elements do not coexist harmoniously; thus, one who desires to live righteously must distance themselves from evil. “Seek peace, and pursue it.” The Lord spoke of this world: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives peace, I give unto you” (John 14:27). Therefore, “seek the peace” of the Lord and “pursue it.” This can only be achieved through a dedicated effort aimed at reaching the highest calling (cf. Phil. 3:14). True peace is like a mountain; as long as we are tethered to the flesh, we will encounter many disturbances that trouble us. Hence, “seek peace,” which signifies liberation from the upheavals of this world, where you can attain a calm spirit, an untroubled and steady state of mind, undisturbed by passions or swayed by misleading teachings that appeal to agreement. Through this, you can achieve “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) and safeguards your heart. To strive for peace is to seek Christ Himself, for “He is our peace,” having made “both one new man, making peace” (cf. Eph. 2:14-15) and “making peace through the blood of His Cross,” whether in heaven or on earth (cf. Col. 1:20).

How can we aim for the triumph of good, recognizing that our efforts may ultimately be in vain since evil is destined to conquer?"

The aspiration to promote the welfare of humanity is indeed commendable, yet it is often misplaced. The royal prophet King David advises, “First turn away from evil and then do good.” Sadly, contemporary society tends to invert this order. Many individuals profess a desire to support the welfare of others while neglecting the critical first step of renouncing evil in their own lives. The grand visions of the younger generation regarding significant contributions to the betterment of humanity resemble a scenario where someone, not adequately trained, imagines themselves as a professor and esteemed educator at a university. Conversely, to hold the belief that, if we cannot advance all of humanity, we should refrain from any effort at all represents yet another extreme.

Every Christian has a duty to work for the benefit of others according to their abilities and circumstances, but this must be executed in a proper sequence and timing as outlined previously, with the success of our efforts reflecting God and His holy will.

As stated in the Psalms, “Seek peace and pursue it,” which underscores avoiding anything that disrupts your tranquility, regardless of how honorable it may seem. God evaluates individuals not purely on their actions, but on the intentions behind those actions—knowledge that rests solely with Him. When we encounter weaknesses, we should genuinely repent and humble ourselves, abstaining from judgment or annoyance towards others.

Additionally, it is important to understand that merely avoiding evil is insufficient for salvation; one is also called to engage in good acts. Failing to do good, while avoiding evil, is itself a form of wrongdoing, since inactivity in regard to good is another kind of evil. In essence, to “evade evil and do good” means to earnestly strive to flee from evil so as to avoid its consequences and diligently perfect the practice of goodness to receive your reward.

Dorotheus also remarks that after enumerating certain specific sins—such as judgment and deceit—David concludes with a statement that addresses all forms of sin: turn away from evil. The God-bearing Maximus interprets this as a call to battle against enemies to diminish vices while simultaneously striving to cultivate virtues, after which one must remain vigilant to maintain them. This can further be understood as fulfilling and safeguarding the obligations entrusted by God to Adam concerning paradise.

Seek peace and pursue it earnestly. Chrysostom teaches that peace is the foundation of countless blessings; the Lord bestowed it upon His disciples as a sacred inheritance: “Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Those who are at peace with God and others rise above all passions. Thus, we must not seek peace casually but rather pursue it with great commitment and fervor. Seeking peace implies active pursuit; when peace is absent, we must chase after it until we attain it, bringing it into our hearts. For instance, if someone harbors hostility or disagreement towards you and refuses to reconcile, you should approach them and persist until peace is restored.

Basil conveys that seeking peace involves detaching oneself from the chaos of the world and cultivating a tranquil mind, a steadfast and serene disposition that remains unshaken by passions or swayed by deceptive ideologies that might lead one to conform to them. To seek peace is to seek Christ, for He is our peace. The divine Cyril adds another dimension to the pursuit of peace, emphasizing that the foremost type of peace is in our relationship with God, followed by harmonious relationships with those who share like-minded values. With regards to God, we attain peace by striving to think and act in ways that please Him, and with fellow believers, we maintain peace by avoiding hostility with them.

Theodoret also states that the greatest of all goods is to seek peace and actively pursue it. Indeed, one who cherishes peace demonstrates love to all; such a person refrains from taking what belongs to others, from committing grave wrongs, from harboring malice against marriages, and from speaking ill or acting wickedly. Instead, they engage in goodness, work diligently, offer help, protect others, and build each other up. This exemplifies true love and genuine friendship.

Thus, avoid all that is evil and strive to do good.” “What kinds of evil,” I inquired, “should one shun?” “Abstain from adultery, drunkenness, gluttony, extravagance, vanity, pride, deceit, slander, hypocrisy, vengeance, and any actions that dishonor others. These are the sins from which a servant of God must withdraw. Anyone failing to do so cannot dwell with God. Now consider also the deeds that stem from such wickedness." “Are there additional wicked acts that one ought to avoid?” “Indeed, there are numerous other actions that a servant of God should eschew. These include theft, perjury, covetousness, arrogance, and similar offenses. Do you not deem these actions as evil? Truly, these represent the transgressions of God’s servants, and one must refrain from all such acts to coexist with God and fellowship with those who reject wickedness.” “Now listen to the righteous actions that lead to salvation. First and foremost, there is faith, reverence for God, love, unity, justice, truth, and patience—there is nothing greater than these in human life. Whoever embraces and practices these consistently is blessed throughout their days. Following these are good deeds such as serving widows, caring for orphans and the impoverished, assisting God’s servants in their distress, offering hospitality, maintaining obedience, displaying humility, esteeming elders, upholding truth, fostering communion, enduring offenses, being generous, not rejecting those who stray from faith but working to restore and comfort them, and advising those who err, while also treating debtors fairly. Do you not see this as commendable?” “There is truly nothing more admirable than this!” I exclaimed. “Carry out these deeds and do not hesitate to live in unity with God, for all who adhere to this guidance will reside with Him.”

Initially, the reverence for God inspires one to steer clear of evil, and subsequently, one is urged to pursue goodness. When a person successfully distances themselves from evil, they will instinctively engage in good works, guided by the examples of the saints.

Once he articulates this profound truth, he adds, "call for peace and pursue it." He does not merely suggest to "call for it," but encourages fervent efforts to achieve it. Pay close attention to this counsel and appreciate the precision exemplified by the Holy One. When someone adeptly avoids evil and endeavors, with God’s assistance, to perform good deeds, they will inevitably face opposition from adversaries. They will encounter struggles and burdens, not only out of fear of returning to their former sins, similar to a slave, but also with the hopeful expectation of receiving rewards for their goodness, akin to a hired laborer. Thus, through enduring trials from the enemy and resisting his advances, they accomplish good, albeit with considerable sorrow and effort. When divine aid is received and an individual gains proficiency in righteousness, they begin to experience true peace—to understand what it means to endure conflict and to savor the joy and fulfillment that peace brings. Consequently, they actively seek peace, striving earnestly to attain and establish it within themselves.

What could be more blessed than a soul that reaches this level of spiritual maturity? Such an individual, as highlighted before, embodies the honor of sonship; for it is truly declared, "blessed are the peacemakers: for they are called sons of God." Who could possibly persuade this soul to act righteously for any motive other than the pure enjoyment derived from that goodness? Who can comprehend this joy except those who have experienced it firsthand?

God redirects you, saying, “Return, friend! ‘Keep your tongue from evil.’” Just as God diverts you from various sins, He reaches out to your conscience, urging, “Turn back! ‘Turn away from evil and do good.’” What He conveys through your conscience aligns with what He communicates in His holy scripture. The unwavering voice of conscience harmonizes with the word of God. The admonitions of conscience echo the teachings of scripture. Likewise, what brings guilt to your conscience is mirrored in the word of God. What your conscience affirms, so too is it affirmed by the scripture. For instance, if your conscience chastises you for theft, the scripture does likewise. If your conscience commends you for showing kindness to your neighbor, it reflects the scripture’s praise: “Blessed are the merciful.” Therefore, when our conscience dissuades us from an action and prevents us from pursuing it, it is truly the voice of God within us, steering us away from sin! Believers! Let us heed the voice of God and turn away from evil, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit: “Now if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” And we will cry out, and the Lord will hear us.

Actions taken for temporary rewards or human glory indicate that one has not yet departed from idolatry; such a person crafts false idols from virtue for profit or public recognition, receiving their reward from people alone and thus deserving nothing from Heaven or God. Desire serves as the initial source of every noble deed and sustains its essence over time. Just as the soul is vital for the life and strength of the body, so also does the desire of the individual underpin the vitality and worth of every action. A tainted desire results in an unworthy deed, while a feeble desire prevents an act from achieving its true potential. Without a spiritual longing, the endeavor remains lifeless. An object may appear to be gold but can be genuine or defective, or it may not be gold at all. In the refining process, gold becomes purer as impurities are removed and counterfeits revealed. Similarly, a person's virtue can be authentic and unwavering when rooted in God and sustained by His power, or it may be tainted by pride, self-serving thoughts, or ultimately, may be completely hypocritical. When tested by trials, its true purity can be revealed, impurities eliminated, and hypocrisy uncovered. The illumination of the word, devoid of the substance of deeds, becomes a lifeless glow, fleeting and transient. However, the light of righteous actions can continue to shine even after the spoken word has faded, casting a sustained and expansive radiance beyond the passing of the doer. Thoughts and expressions

This avoidance of evil encompasses not just overt actions but also hidden intents. It is not enough to refrain from causing harm to your neighbor; one must also be vigilant against being complicit in others' wrongdoings. Yield not to the enticements of the wicked, who may implore, “Join us; partake in our evil ways.” Instead, steer clear of their paths, as advised in Proverbs 1:15. Recognize that those who plot malice risk falling into their own traps; as stated in Sirach 27:29-30, those who do evil shall eventually face the consequences. Commit to righteousness, and goodness will follow; turn away from injustice, and it shall depart from you.

To turn from evil means more than abstaining from wrongful actions like theft, murder, or lust; it involves avoiding all avenues that may lead to sin. This includes steering clear of places, individuals, or influences that could evoke passion and draw one into wrongdoing. Do not walk upon the paths that lead to downfall, and guard against stumbling blocks. Maintain a pure gaze and an upright heart. Avoid the allure of the seductive and the tempting, and do not associate with those whose paths may lead to sin.

Be mindful in your interactions, exercising caution in your undertakings to prevent entanglements that may lead to distress or loss. Guard your heart from revealing its secrets to those untrustworthy, as their intentions may be deceptive. Refrain from consorting with reckless individuals, lest their folly lead you to harm. Be discerning in whom you invite into your home, for the untrustworthy possess many schemes.

Beware of the malicious; they construct wickedness. Do not place your trust in an adversary, for deceit often lurks within. Know that mingling with the proud or the corrupt will taint you, just as contact with tar will soil. Heed the caution of Sirach: one must be vigilant and remain distanced from the unrepentant. Engage in acts of goodness, extending kindness, especially toward those in need. As the Apostle encourages, clothe yourself in compassion, humility, and love (Colossians 3:12, 14), acting with mercy toward all (Ephesians 4:32). Follow Job’s example as a support for the vulnerable and a comfort to the suffering (Job 29:15-16).

Do not turn away from those who seek assistance; do not ignore the hungry or the grieving. Lend a listening ear to the poor, responding with gentleness. Advocate for the innocent, rescue the oppressed, and treat the weak with paternal care. Engage with those who grieve, share in their sorrow, and be diligent in visiting the sick. The act of generosity should flow toward both the living and the deceased (Sirach 4:2, 4, 8-10, 36-38).

These principles, along with others, are assembled and presented in the Orthodox Confession of the Catholic and Apostolic Church of the East as an expression of piety and Christian charity through mercy. They encompass both physical and spiritual actions, including feeding the hungry, offering drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, welcoming strangers into our homes, burying the deceased, guiding the lost toward truth, encouraging sinners to pursue righteousness, instructing the uninformed, offering counsel to those in need, comforting the grieving, forgiving those who wrong us, and praying for all.

Seize every opportunity to fulfill these deeds whenever the Lord invites you. Engage in acts of kindness and not merely adhere to common religious practices—honoring parents, praying, giving alms, attending services, listening to Scripture, and observing fasts. Instead, seek to amplify the good you can do, actively looking for creative ways to extend your acts of kindness beyond the minimal expectations of daily life.

Moreover, adopt a principle of conscience to not only refrain from wrongdoing but also to avoid causing distress. Ensure that each person you interact with departs from your presence uplifted, enriched, or comforted, whether through word, deed, or even a kind expression. The dual commitment to refrain from evil and pursue goodness forms the foundation on which the devout tread their spiritual journey.

As noted by esteemed church fathers, avoiding evil emerges from fear of God, while the pursuit of good stems from love. Athanasius the Great suggests that the heights of spiritual maturity are reached by progressing from mere avoidance of sin to actively engaging in virtuous acts. Basil the Great further emphasizes that initially, one must turn away from a life of vice before undertaking good deeds, as one cannot embrace righteousness without first distancing oneself from iniquity.

Augustine points out that merely refraining from harmful actions is insufficient. For true humanity, one must also engage positively, whether through charity or support. Seek peace earnestly. It is the apex of virtuous endeavors, embodying love and leading to the fulfillment of God's promises. The peace of Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), and His promise of comforting relationship with God (Matthew 5:9) reveal peace as a divine gift sought through earnest effort.

Embrace the command to chase after peace, recognizing its intrinsic connection to love and virtue. When we embody love, outward expressions of peace will naturally follow, making us instruments for good amidst adversity. The heart must be serene, free from anger, jealousy, or pride—the passions that disrupt inner tranquility. When the heart is at peace, it will radiate calmness to those around.

In summary, strive for peace within your heart and actively seek harmony with your neighbor. While conflicts may arise, it is essential not to allow them to escalate into deeper discord. Aim to extinguish disputes quickly, preventing them from smoldering into resentment. Remind yourself of the commandments: be kind to your neighbor and avoid anger. Leave offenses to God, for through forgiveness, true resolution can be found (Sirach 28:2, 6-7, 9-10, 14).

He begins by warning against the sins of the tongue, recognizing their prevalence and the challenge in controlling them. Thus, the holy Apostle James notes in his epistle, “If anyone sins in words, he is a perfect man.” It is imperative to restrain one's speech from evil, meaning one should avoid provoking God through tongue-related sins such as lying, slander, cursing, and gossip. He also admonishes against flattery, identifying it as a significant sin that often leads to other transgressions.

The passage then shifts focus to sins of action, urging individuals to commit acts of goodness, which could include honoring one's parents, praying, giving to the needy, attending church, and listening to God's teachings. Moreover, the Prophet warns against internal sins, like anger, hatred, and envy, which can disturb inner peace. He emphasizes the importance of seeking peace, reminding us that while complete harmony with everyone might not always be achievable due to others' malice, it remains a virtuous pursuit. The Apostle also reinforces this in his letter to the Romans, stating, “If it is possible to have peace with you, have peace with all men.”

First, purify your heart from unhealthy desires and find peace within; then the calmness of your heart will radiate outward. In seeking peace, one ultimately seeks Christ (see Eph. 2:14). Yet, pursuing Christ is unachievable apart from prayer. Anyone desiring salvation must not only avoid wrongdoing but also actively pursue good deeds. For instance, if one is prone to anger, they should not only refrain from it but cultivate gentleness. If pride is an issue, instead of merely resisting it, one should practice humility. This illustrates the principle of turning from evil and embracing good, as every harmful passion has a corresponding virtue (Basil the Great, Theophanes, Dorotheus).